The Scottish Highlands are vast, wild, and incredibly beautiful. Think endless open spaces, rugged landscapes, and jaw-dropping scenery at every turn. From lush countryside and towering mountains to picture-perfect villages and surprisingly stunning beaches, it really has it all. Beaches might not be the first thing that come to mind when you think of the Highlands. But exploring the coastline quickly became one of the main highlights of our trip. The untouched beauty of the beaches feels like a hidden slice of paradise that hardly anyone talks about. A secret Scotland quietly keeps to itself. So, we’ve rounded up the best beach stops along the North Coast 500. If you’re planning this iconic road trip, get ready to discover some of the most incredible beaches — right here in the UK.
The NC500 Route
As the name suggests, The NC500 is a famous 500-mile loop around the northern fringes of the Scottish Highlands. Typically beginning in Inverness, the route winds along the east, north, and west coastlines. We chose to travel anti-clockwise, starting on the East Coast and finishing in the West, where the scenery becomes increasingly remote. Here, you’ll find vast stretches of untouched countryside, dramatic mountains, and some of Scotland’s most beautiful beaches.
And the best part? All without the crowds. With that in mind, let’s dive into what we feel are the best beach stops along the North Coast 500.
Dunnet 📌
Located on the North Eastern tip of Scotland, this stunning beach stretches approximately 2 miles, boasting golden sands and a beautiful grassy dunes backdrop. Popular for its surfing and long walks, this beach offers a peaceful and sheltered escape, only a 12-minute drive from the small town of Thurso.
Melvich 📌
Melvich Beach sits on the Northern coastline, accessed via a small dirt track and offering a small car park. Walking your way through the gently sloping dunes before reaching the stretch of golden sand is just part of the magic of this beach. The remote and unspoilt beauty is certainly not one to miss..
TIP 💡 – The Halladale Inn, just a 3-minute drive away from the beach, has a gorgeous little café where you can sit and enjoy a coffee and some breakfast whilst soaking up the surrounding views. Also offering caravan and camping facilities, this beautiful space is just the most peaceful location to stop and unwind along your journey.
Strathy 📌
Just 5 miles west of Melvich, Strathy beach boasts magnificent sand dunes which edge the shoreline. Entering this beach from the small car park at the top gives the most spectacular views, with a fairly steep but short walk down onto the beach. You will be rewarded with calm clear blue water and soft golden sand.
TIP 💡– At low tide, small pools of crystal-clear water form between the rocks at the foot of the dunes, creating little havens for taking a cold dip (if you’re brave enough!) or just admiring the marine wildlife.
Ceannabeinne 📌
Perched on the north west corner of the Scottish coastline, this beautifully sheltered beach is surrounded by magnificent cliffs of pink rock. The beach can be reached via a gently slowing path surrounded by rocky grassland, with an easily accessible lay-by car park just off the main A838. Yet again this beach boasts clear blue water, with the surrounding cliffs giving the sand almost a pink hue – simply stunning.
TIP 💡– If you’re feeling more adventurous, the Golden Eagle zipline runs right across the beach, offering a more exhilarating way to take in this stunning beach and its surroundings.
Durness 📌
A 9-minute drive further west up the coastline sits Durness Beach. This unique beach really has everything. The surrounding limestone cliffs make for easy walks and exploring, whilst pretty waterfalls flowing down onto the beach provide magnificent picnic and chill spots. A short hike up to Sango sands viewpoint is also worth the trip, offering panoramic views of the beach and surrounding scenery.
Oldshoremore 📌
A truly stunning, secluded white sand beach in the remote north western region of Scotland. Famous for its sparkling blue water, rocky outcrops and peaceful tranquility, this makes it, in our opinion, one of the best beach stops along The North Coast 500. This beach truly has an unmatched and untouched beauty, without the crowds and bustle of tourists to disturb the peace. If there is one beach not to miss, it’s this one.
TIP 💡– Explore the surrounding rocky outcrops to get the best view of the beach, you will not be disappointed. One of the most rewarding and unforgettable views you’ll see.
Clashnessie Bay 📌
This small but breathtakingly stunning bay is nestled in the heart of the western coastline. Glass like blue-pink water makes this beach utterly stunning and unique. Views of the surrounding remote countryside with pretty cottages nestled by the shoreline makes it feel like it’s straight out of a storybook.
TIP 💡– A short but beautiful walk upstream will lead you to Clashnessie falls, a 15-meter high dramatic waterfall nestled in the cliffs.
Clachtoll 📌
With a good sized accessible car park, a wooden boardwalk gently leads you down onto the beach, where you are welcomed by remarkable turquoise coloured water and fine white sand. The dotted white cottages and roaming sheep makes this feel like the perfect countryside escape! A beach for exploring, enjoying a picnic with a view or braving a cold water swim.
Achmelvich 📌
Last but certainly not least – and probably one of our favorites, Achmelvich. This stunning beach almost has a magical feel, like something from a fairytale. With some of the bluest water we have ever seen, this beach really is as fabulous as the pictures look. Surrounded by lush grassland and transforming into bright white sand, this beach has it all.
TIP 💡 – A little hidden gem can be found amongst the outcrops just a moderate walk away from the beach. Hermit’s castle is a miniature concrete-built structure allegedly constructed in 1950 by an Architect from Norwich. An air of mystery surrounds this unusual feature, now standing derelict and making it all the more exciting to visit.
So, there you have it. Our perfect North Coast 500 beach itinerary.
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